Sedation Dentistry in Calgary – How it Can Help Your Fears and Your Smile

Sedation Dentistry in Calgary – How it Can Help Your Fears and Your Smile

Even with huge advances in technology, materials and techniques – there are still some patients who can’t seem to get over the dental jitters – no matter how nice the dentist is or how easy the procedure will be. And if you’re reading this and thinking ‘oh gosh, I get really nervous at the mere thought of going to the dentist’ – you are not alone. Incredibly over seventy-five percent of patients experience some degree of dental anxiety. The level of anxiety varies greatly between individuals – starting with some mild butterflies and slight nausea, escalating in some patients to a full-blown anxiety attack where they are in a state of extreme panic, to the point of cancelling an appointment.

Sedation Dentistry is nothing new – in fact it has been relied on by dentists for decades to help relax patients and enable them to move forward with treatment they would have otherwise neglected. Neglected dentistry and oral health is probably one of the biggest concerns for fearful dental patients who ignore signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort – often avoiding dental appointments for years. The double whammy of avoiding regular dental visits is that your overall health also starts to suffer, especially if there is inflammation in the form of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Dr. Lam and Dr. Chen explain that Oral Sedation Dentistry involves administering enough sedation medication to induce a state of calm peacefulness – while enabling the patient to remain fully conscious throughout the procedure. Being conscious, yet relaxed, during dental treatment has many advantages – you are able to communicate with the dental team but any anxiety associated with having a dentist work in your mouth is completely removed. And the other advantage to staying conscious is that recovery from Oral Sedation Dentistry is fast.

This NW Calgary Dental Practice also offers nitrous oxide to younger patients who may become fearful when faced with their first cavity or tooth extraction. The bottom line is that no matter what your level of dental fear – help is available that will allow you to take care of your smile and your fears.